VIC Charged with Impersonating Police Officer at Massage Room?

[Innocent]

Hi, whilst in the role of a local laws officer for a local council, I went to get a full body massage on my lunch break. I responded to an ad on a web site and was given the address (wrongly the first few times!). Anyways this female was operating out of a hotel room. Upon entering the room she started offering explicit, sexual services, but I told her I just wanted the massage. She kept persisting and it was obvious she needed the money as she was quoting some ridiculous price of $450.

I kept saying no and informed her that what she was attempting to offer was illegal, she laughed and said " I can do what I want. I'm protected by NSW police." I said, "no what you're doing is illegal. I'm a authorised local laws officer" and showed her my local laws badge that was allocated to me - anyway I left the premises. She has since reported me to the police saying I said I was an uncover cop, and I was after free services. I have been charged by the police with impersonating a police officer and trying to obtain sexual favours! I was dressed in work allocated slacks and had my standard work equipment with me - a local laws badge NOT a police badge! And my two way radio that I had to wear at all times for my own safety. How do I prove I was not impersonating a police officer (which I wasn't)? Any thoughts would be welcomed. Thanks

 

[Toqual]

Hi, whilst in the role of a local laws officer for a local council, I went to get a full body massage on my lunch break. I responded to an ad on a web site and was given the address (wrongly the first few times!) Anyways this female was operating out of a hotel room. Upon entering the room she started offering explicit, s*xual services but I told her I just wanted the massage. She kept persisting and it was obvious she needed the money as she was quoting some ridiculous price of $450. I kept saying no and informed her that what she was attempting to offer was illegal, she laughed and said " I can do what I want I'm protected by NSW police." I said no what your doing is illegal " I'm a authorized local laws officer" and showed her my local laws badge that was allocated to me - anyway I left the premises , she has since reported me to the police saying I said I was an uncover cop! And I was after free services. I have been charged by the police with impersonating a police officer and trying to obtain s*xual favours! I was dressed in work allocated slacks and had my standard work equipment with me - a local laws badge NOT a police badge! And my two way radio that I had to wear at all times for my own safety . How do I prove I was not impersonating the police ( which I wasn't !) any thoughts would be welcomed , thanks

You won't need to prove you weren't impersonating a police officer. If this matter is going to court, the prosecution will need to prove this. In your defence you or our lawyer can inform the court of what seems to be a misunderstanding. Retain a strong criminal lawyer who will have no difficulty with comprehending this matter.

 

[Innocent]

Thanks Toqual, it gets better - the complaintant has a criminal history which the police have been reluctant to reveal and also another matter that I will put in a new post

 

[Toqual]

Pleasure. Good luck!

 

[steven264]

ah, political correctness aside, a hooker would not be considered the most reliable witness

 

[Innocent]

Does anyone think the statement " I'm protected by the police" should be pursued further?

 

[Rod]

a hooker would not be considered the most reliable witness

No, for this reason ^ . Works for and against you.

 

[Innocent]

No, for this reason ^ . Works for and against you.

How's it work against me?

 

[Rod]

Her statement "I'm protected by the NSW police" may not be considered to be credible.

 

[Tim W]

Hi, whilst in the role of a local laws officer for a local council, I went to get a full body massage on my lunch break.

There's your first problem. You were not there in the course of work, you were there on personal time.
You don't get to double-dip in and out of "on duty" status for your own convenience,
let alone for your own defence.

...she laughed and said " I can do what I want I'm protected by NSW police."

Maybe, but don't go getting all Underbelly here.
Yes, she might be a registered informant, and just talking big about it.
Or, yes, she might be in a corrupt relationship with police.
You posted in the Victoria Forum - but you refer to NSW Police.
Which state are you in?

I said no what your doing is illegal " I'm a authorized local laws officer" and showed her my local laws badge that was allocated to me - anyway I left the premises , she has since reported me to the police saying I said I was an uncover cop! And I was after free services.

You will need a lawyer. No, your work probably won't pay for it.... because you were not there on a job.
You went there of your own motion, on personal time.

I have been charged by the police with impersonating a police officer and trying to obtain s*xual favours! I was dressed in work allocated slacks and had my standard work equipment with me - a local laws badge NOT a police badge! And my two way radio that I had to wear at all times for my own safety .

But you were not there in that capacity... you were there on your lunch break - which is not "work time".
And, given that she was "working" out of a hotel room, you may well have been exceeding your authority anyway.

How do I prove I was not impersonating the police ( which I wasn't !) any thoughts would be welcomed , thanks

Which section specifically were you charged under?
Is "impersonate police" a strict liability offence in Victoria?
In any event, it will be a question of evidence... it is the police who will have to prove the charge.
That said, if all they have is the allegation, with other no evidence, it may be difficult for them.

In any event, you will need legal advice.
In particular, seek advice about the credibility of your claim above of going to that much effort to arrange what you state to be a full body massage, for mere therapeutic purposes.